Teesside University graduation is extra special for dad and son
It was a proud father moment for Teesside University academic Mark Freary when his son Luke followed in his footsteps to graduate with a design degree.
Luke Freary graduated from the BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration, almost four decades after his dad Mark also graduated with a design degree.
“I’ve always been interested in design and wanted to do a creative degree,” said Luke, 21, from Middlesbrough.
“I started my degree off at another university and was studying during the pandemic. I never really got to know any of the other students, and I wasn’t really enjoying the course. I eventually decided that I wanted to continue my degree somewhere else.
“I asked if I could transfer to Teesside University for my final year. As soon as I came to Teesside and started on the degree, I realised I had done the right thing and fitted in with the rest of the student group really well.
“I knew about Teesside University through my dad, and I had been to the campus in the past, but it was great to experience it as a student.”
I look forward to our graduation ceremonies each year, and this year has been extra special for me
Mark said: “As an academic, I look forward to our graduation ceremonies each year, and this year has been extra special for me, to be able to see my son graduate - 36 years after I graduated from Teesside myself.”
Mark graduated with a degree in industrial design and started work with what was then Teesside Polytechnic, initially working as a design consultant before moving into teaching.
“Luke has always been interested in design and we would work on artwork together when he was growing up. It’s been brilliant to see him progress with his design work and seeing him graduate at Teesside, makes it even more special,” added Mark.
